Charlie Mae Anaya

Our sweet Charlie Mae Anaya, age 11 of Mission Viejo, CA passed away on August 21, 2024 after battling cancer for almost 2 years. Our hearts are forever imprinted with the love Charlie shared.

Beautiful Charlie Mae was born in Laguna Hills, CA at Saddleback Hospital on December 24, 2012. Charlie was a 6th grader, and while her favorite subject was math, her true passion was being with her friends at school, as well as spending time with her family.

Charlie was the just the right amount of sweet and spice! She was a social butterfly who spread her love and light wherever she went. Charlie won over the hearts of many with her lighthearted demeanor and playful spirit while being actively involved in the VBS at church. Charlie practiced

jiu-jitsu and was not a competitor you wanted to face on the mat, as she was a fighter even before her diagnosis.

Charlie loved playing Roblox, Minecraft, and had fun pursuing her career of fame on YouTube. Everyone that knows Charlie agrees that she was hilarious and always kept us all entertained! She always had a joke on hand… and guess what, chicken butt! Charlie’s favorite holiday was Christmas. Her favorite color was pink. She wanted to be a lawyer when she got older, and was actively practicing her negotiation skills with her siblings on the daily. She always knew what she wanted and was not shy to speak up. Charlie lived her life to the fullest, and always took it one day at a time, which is a beautiful lesson for us all.

Charlie is survived by her Mother Leticia, her Father Reynaldo, her brother James (17) and sister Samantha (14).

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to help the family cover the burial fees. The family wishes that you please consider sending donations via Venmo to @Anaya4.

Romans 8:28:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Oh Charlie, it is hard to imagine this world without you as a part of it here on earth. Heaven is lucky to have you, and it is bringing us a sense of peace to know you are without pain, and you have your sight again. You were always so brave on your journey.

Two worlds seemingly connected but so far apart, heaven and earth.

It is a rare and special thing to have been blessed to have walked with, know, and be loved by an angel. A miracle most people pray for, but we all got to live with Charlie. Most people will say she fought cancer, but Charlie really lived! She lived more completely, and loved more fully in her 11 years than some will live and love in a lifetime.

Charlie didn’t just smile and joke to mask the pain & challenges she was presented, as her smile was so bright that it absorbed the hurt of those fighting along side her. This truly was her superpower! Charlie’s presence spread joy wherever she went. Charlie is a bright light that shined on all of us, and we will miss her dearly everyday.

Even though the sun will rise tomorrow, it will never shine as bright with Charlie gone. But because an angel left us here on earth, and now the darkness will always be a little more beautiful with a new star in heaven… Please think of our Charlie girl each time you see the stars, or the sunrise or the next time you eat her favorite LIFE cereal… and cherish the small blessings in your day the way she always did.

OUR WISH …

Our wish is that you remember Charlie as a fighter, who never gave up hope on her hardest days.

Our wish is that you live today to the fullest and remember to pause and appreciate the small moments of the day, the way Charlie did.

Our wish is that you hug everyone a little tighter, the way Charlie did.

Our wish is that you appreciate the little things, and find the small victories of the day, the way Charlie did.

Our wish is that you share the compliment, continue to lift up others, and give with your whole heart even on hard days, the way Charlie did.

Our wish is that you dance like no one is watching, the way Charlie did.

Our wish is that you stop and notice the dragonflies with the simplicity, sound, and beauty they bring. Close your eyes and let the senses soak it all in… the way Charlie did.

Our wish is that you share a little more kindness each day, the way Charlie did.

Our wish is that you cherish moments with family and friends and gather together, the way Charlie did.

Our wish is that you treat every day like a special occasion. Eat dessert first, and use the nice silverware, and wear the fancy dress because today IS a special occasion.

Please continue to say Charlie’s name, and keep her spirit alive within us all.

In the words of sweet Charlie girl… “bye- bye butterfly…”